Time to prepare teacher’s day gifts! Whether you buy or make them, it’s the thought that counts behind each teacher’s gift. Frequent encouragement of the teachers is still encouraged, of course. But if this has slipped your mind, we got you covered with over 30 ideas for Teachers’ Day gifts with varying budgets!
Teachers’ Day Gifting in Singapore
Teachers’ Day in Singapore used to be celebrated on 1 September each year. More recently, it has been celebrated on the last Friday of Term 3. For example, Teachers’ Day 2024 is designated as Friday, 30 August.
The day is set aside to recognise the important role which teachers play in shaping the lives of children and youth. Many teachers view being an educator as their life’s calling and give much of themselves to nurture the young lives that come their way.
Teachers’ Day provides an opportunity for students and parents to recognise teachers’ efforts and express appreciation for their work – plus it is a great way to give teachers a day off too!
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What To Get As Teachers’ Day Gifts in Singapore
We did a straw poll amongst several teachers in Singapore to find out what they would like to receive as Teachers’ Day gifts. While teachers do not expect to receive gifts from their students, any gifts received are always appreciated.
Here are the responses that we received.
Good Behaviour
This is one Teachers’ Day gift that money can’t buy.
Several teachers polled stated that they would like students to be attentive during lessons and diligent in completing their homework and assignments. They also wished for their students to get good results.
This present is entirely within the control of students to give – but it may take a whole lot of effort to pull off. Perhaps students can try being on their best behaviour on Teachers’ Day itself for a start.
Teachers’ Day Cards
Cards make it on to the list of favourite Teachers’ Day gifts. To teachers, it doesn’t really matter whether the card is store-bought or handmade; the most important feature of the card is the message written by the students inside. In fact, teachers even shared that a heartfelt note would be well appreciated.
Some teachers shared that they still keep treasured cards from their students, years after the students have grown up and left the school.
Thoughtful Gifts
The old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts,” and this is undoubtedly true when it comes to Teachers’ Day gifts in Singapore.
Teachers appreciate it when students put a little thought into the gifts they give. Perhaps it is because it also shows that the students have acquired the values of consideration and thoughtfulness.
These little gifts can be based on whatever the student or class notices the teacher is already using. Some ideas include Tupperware, a fan or even a book voucher. More Teacher’s Day gift ideas below!
Edibles and Munchies
Homemade cookies, chocolates, fruits and nuts – these were some of the edibles and munchies which teachers said they enjoyed receiving from students. No doubt, some of these will find their way back to the staff room for everyone to share.
Who doesn’t love food and snacks, right?
Red Pens
If you ever had any doubt that teachers are the practical sort, you may be interested to know that the most common response we received from teachers on the gifts that they would like to receive was “red pens”.
Teachers use red pens and stationery every day. It is a practical gift and doesn’t cost too much either. No wonder it is one of the top Teachers’ Day gifts that teachers like to receive.
Other Gift Ideas
Painted rocks
Buy a bag of pebbles or rocks for $4 from a florist, use paint markers or acrylic paint to write your teachers’ name. Decorate accordingly and, voila, you have a paperweight for gifting!
Snack bags
We know teachers often have irregular meals, giving a bag with a muesli bar, lozenges, honey sticks, nuts or a perk-me-up drink would make a great care package!
A Sturdy reusable bag
A foldable bag can be used to contain those heavy papers for marking.
An Organiser or Container
Every teacher needs one to store various knick-knacks.
Notebooks
Gift a teacher a notebook for doodling, note-taking and penning down lesson ideas.
Aromatherapy Candles
After hours of teaching or marking and deciphering poor handwriting, scents could drive away the stress and help relax the aching head.
Sports equipment such as exercise bands, light weights
Fitness is a way of life, teachers also need to get energy levels up for their workload. Have your teacher’s health in mind as you celebeate Teacher’s Day and gift some sports equipment
Cable Clamp and Organiser
A common sight of work desks today are unsightly cables. We have a few USB devices to connect to, and even more accessories because of Zoom calls or online lessons. Teachers certainly have a wiry mess aside from the amount of papers to look through. A cable clamp and organiser would help prevent wires from getting tangled and make practical teachers’ day gifts. Try these adorable cable clamps!
Useful Vouchers
Vouchers are functional and appreciated. How about vouchers in the form of Grab rides or Grab food? The versatility of vouchers mean the receivers can use it any time they want. Grab ride vouchers would mean a cheaper ride home – who wouldn’t be thrilled? Teachers will also enjoy the Grab food vouchers with takeaways from their favourite restaurants or dessert stores. More details on how to grab those vouchers for your favourite teachers here.
Pen a Poem or Story
Your child would know his or her teacher best. How about milking those creative juices and penning a poem or story for the teachers? A personalised poem or story is always memorable and it also takes a lot of thought from the child to create it. Sometimes, the best gifts cannot be bought and a heartfelt tribute can make a teacher feel truly appreciated.
Some tools that we suggest using are Story Jumper.
TikTok Video Tribute
Another free tool to use that many are familiar with is TikTok. Instead of using it for the most inane reasons, how about making a TikTok video tribute for your teachers? It can a dance, rap, song or other funny movements that will make your teachers’ day.
Beeswax wraps
an eco-friendly alternative to cling wraps, reusable beeswax wraps keep food fresh for a longer time.
Chocolate Bouquet
With some satay sticks and some Hershey kisses, you could make a saccharine sweet bouquet!
Water tumbler or Water Bottle
Water bottles are in vogue now. Whether it’s an Owala or Stanley Cup or a Montigo, having a trusty bottle or a tumbler is essential for coffee or cold drinks.
Coffee Subscription
Perk teachers up with some caffeine! Whether it’s tea or coffee, getting some quality tea and coffee bags would make ideal teachers’ day gifts. We know the early days and late nights mean a reliance on caffeine. Here’s a coffee subscription that teachers will love!
A DIY Spa Kit
Finally, help your teachers to rest, relax and refrain from thinking about endless problems with their students. Gather a DIY spa kit, so teachers’ day can be a restful one. Our recommended no-fuss spa kit consists of just honey, oats and a pinch of salt. Viola – it is sure to rejuvenate some skin and perhaps some joy in teaching.
Punny Cards with Singapore themes
We love punny cards and the ones from The Little Drom Store are perfect for the teachers. Other coveted merchandise for teachers include tote bags, iconic pins of local delicacies and playgrounds and pretty notebooks. See the whole range of gifts here. P.S. Don’t get carried away shopping and forget about the teachers!
Fruit Basket
Staying healthy is important, especially for teachers who stay up late into the evening marking homework from students. Prepare a colourful fruit basket filled with vitamin-rich fruits (tip: source them from group buys) so that sir or ma’am keeps up his or her immunity.
Cupcakes
An oldie but goodie. Not only does it appeal to the sweet tooth, it’s also a great mood-lifter.
Pen holders
Like mask chains, they’re practical and are available in all sorts of styles to cater to different tastes, from space-saving to minimalist cool to cartoon-cute.
Pretty sticky notes
Call us sticklers for good looks, but there’s just something about beautiful paper that makes even scribbling a quick note that much more pleasant. We’re sure Teacher would agree. Shop here.
Calming tea
Treat your teachers to a relaxing cuppa by gifting them with a box of stress-relieving herbal tea – a perfect way to wind down in the staff room after a day of shepherding rowdy schoolchildren. Popular ingredients to look out for include chamomile, lavender, rose, mint and lemon balm.
Cool mugs
What’s going to help teacher enjoy his or her coffee even more? A good-looking cup that adds a dash of character. Typo, FortyTwo and Klosh all have some terrific offerings, while Printcious has loads of ready-made designs and customisable options.
Bookmarks
Help teachers keep track of where they left off in the textbooks with some cute bookmarks. Like post-it strips, but much better. Shop here.
Hand cream
All day flipping through worksheets and test papers can be really drying for the hands. A mini tube of hand cream fits easily into handbags and pockets for moisture on the go.
Gourmet chocolates
It’s meant to be a treat, so go the extra mile and get your teachers something beyond regular supermarket fare. A couple of local chocolate stores you can consider are Hello Chocolate, Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie and Fossa Chocolate.
Immunity-Boosting Supplements
We all know how teachers can fall ill easily either by straining their voices, overworking or just succumbing to the bugs aplenty in the classroom. Boost your teacher’s immunity with supplements like Vitamin C effervescent, Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, or even a jar of honey.
